Influence of resterilized polypropylen meshes on growth of human fibroblasts -: an experimental in vitro study

Introduction: We investigated the influence of resterilized polypropylen meshes (Prolene(R)) on proliferation and apoptosis of human fibroblasts in an experimental in vitro study. Method: Human fibroblasts were seeded into six-well culture dishes in a density of 3x10(4)cells/well. After resterilization of meshes (steam autoclave, 121 degreesC, 20 min.) according to the manufacturer's recommendations (Ethicon, Norderstedt) square sheets of 2 x 2 cm were incubated with fibroblasts over a period of 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 and 48 h. Preparations of fibroblasts with non-resterilized meshes and without meshes served as controls. Proliferation index and apoptotic index were estimated by flow cytometry after cell staining with an FITC-conjugated antibody against the Ki-67 antigen or with FITC-conjugated Annexin-V and propidium jodide, respectively. Results: A significant reduction of the proliferation index from 86% to 42% was found after 48 h incubation of cells with resterilized meshes, whereas only a slight decrease was found in the group with non-resterilized meshes (75%) and in controls without meshes (80%). Apoptotic index increased significantly from 2% to 48% after 48 h incubation with resterilized meshes in comparison to both control groups, where only a slight increase could be observed: non-resterilized meshes to 19% and without meshes to 10%. Conclusion: Resterilized meshes inhibit growth of human fibroblats in vitro significantly, demonstrated by a reduced proliferative activity and an increased apoptotic index. This could be caused by a release of toxic substances from the meshes, which have a negative influence on cell growth. Therefore, resterilization cannot be recommended.